SEQUIM — This is the only place where you can practice ancient Asian moves, flatten your abs and do the hustle — all inside of two hours.
Today (Saturday), free demonstrations of tai chi, qi gong, hip-hop hustle and Pilates, plus free passes and snacks will be offered during the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center’s 20th anniversary party.
“Dress to participate,” said SARC director Sue Jacobs.
“Come ready to play.”
The classes are gentle and will fit people of all ages, she added.
Fitness trainer Brandon Stoppani will be on hand to help visitors explore the Outback, SARC’s addition loaded with exercise equipment.
His wife, Tracy Stoppani, will be in the circuit training room, demonstrating the gear that provides a 30-minute full-body workout.
Also during the party, attendees can refuel on free snacks, and take home free day passes for future SARC workouts.
SARC is known to longtime Sequim residents for its six-lane, 25-yard swimming pool and big blue waterside.
But the center offers all manner of land-based classes, Jacobs added.
SARC was built in 1988 with public money: A $2.4 million bond was approved by 62 percent of voters in the Clallam County Park and Recreation District, a taxing district created to fund a pool and recreation center.
It would be difficult, to say the least, to pass such a bond today, said SARC board chairwoman Susan Sorensen.
She emphasizes that the center no longer receives any county money.
Some 2,300 frequent users — people who buy monthly or yearly passes — are the ones who pay SARC’s bills now.
“We operate on what comes through the front door,” Sorensen said.
The center has a $1 million annual budget and 50 employees, Jacobs said. The monthly bill for propane to heat the pool and showers runs about $10,000.
FREE DEMONSTRATIONS, FOOD and other prizes will be part of the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center’s 20th anniversary party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today.
Demonstrations include:
The center is at 610 N. Fifth Ave., Sequim.
For information, phone 360-683-3344.
